Julie Blanchard, owner of Lemon Tree Paperie, created a sophisticated and classic nursery for her son Weston that we are pleased to share with our readers. When planning the nursery, Julie was instantly inspired by Serena and Lily’s fabrics and decided on the color scheme of navy, indigo and lime right away. One of Julie’s goals was to keep the colors and fabrics simple and uniform so that she would be able to easily accessorize.  One of our favorite elements in the nursery is the custom paint design featuring little Weston’s initials framed by a crest style border. Very Preppy and cute! Julie says, “The custom paint design saved on buying artwork.” What a brilliant way to give the walls purpose without having to find expensive artwork.

Julie customized the crib bedding by mixing the “Charlie” bumper with the “Blake” sheeting collection, both from Serena and Lily. With some extra fabric, she was able to customize a sweet pillow with Weston’s name for the her Dutailer glider. In addition, Julie used the extra bedding fabric and ribbon to create an adorable wall hanging for over the changing table. Other Details include a Pali crib, and Pottery Barn Kids baskets and liners. The lamp is from Target and the bookshelf is a custom made piece. Julie did an excellent job of mixing and matching pieces to achieve this tailored space she dreamed of for Weston.

Besides being a nursery design maverick, Julie has a passion for fine paper and stationary. After spending many years in the business she decided to open her own online boutique, Lemontreepaperie.com which offers baby announcements, calling cards, personalized stationary, family labels and much more. Through her online boutique, Julie advises clients on a national basis, and is personally involved in each and every order.

We are excited to announce that Julie has offered Project Nursery readers $15 off all orders of $100 or more! Use code NURSERY when placing orders. Offer valid through 9/30/08. With Halloween coming up what a great opportunity to snatch up some amazingly cute cards for the family. Thanks Julie!

Tags: Art, Baby Nurseries, Cribs, Discounts, Green, Inspiration, Monogram, Paint, Preppy

Expecting parents Dennis and Denyse of new online kid clothing boutique Acme Factory are seriously cool and on the ball! They have designed and completed a nursery filled with vibrant confections for their daughter Hannah who is due in September. Their inspiration came from two great kids collections, Small Paul and Dotilicious.

Dennis says,  ”My wife and I dig Paul Frank’s designs. I painted the room with large dots to compliment the stickers shape and colors… It all came together nicely and created a simple, modern room for our daughter Hannah.” 

Dennis and Denyse loved the style of nursery pieces from Nurseryworks and they found a similar look from believe it or not WalMart! The crisp bright white of the crib and changing table were just the feel they were going for. Both pieces had clean lines and popped nicely with the bright lime color of the walls. The money they saved on the furniture they plan on investing in quality pieces for Hannah down the road once she moves up to toddler digs. The bedding is also from WalMart and matched their color palate perfectly. A modern white ceiling fan by Minka-Aire was selected and the closet was decked out with the Elfa system from the Container Store. White shelves from Pottery Barn, lamp from CB2 and pink side table from Ikea complete the nursery. And of course those precious stickers from Small Paul and Dotilicious add the finishing touches. Hannah is a lucky little lady. Surely she will brighten her parents lives and enjoy many smiles and giggles in this cheerful, modern nursery. Thanks for Sharing! We love it..

Tags: Baby Nurseries, Brown, Dots, Green, Lime

Inspired by Potterybarn Kids’s “Alphabet Soup” crib bedding: A sweet, simple, gender neutral nursery for baby to be.

The other week we showcased H’s (all boy) playtime nursery. H’s adoptive family also knew they would be welcoming H’s biological sister shortly there after. Without knowing the sex, they turned to cool, gender neutral crib bedding for inspiration.

Sarah tells us that she ”started with the “Alphabet Soup” crib bedding from Pottery Barn Kids purchased off Ebay(PN note: LOVE Ebay as a “NIB”, PBK or RH resource!) and pulled the colors featured in that bedding to use in the rest of the room.  The room features light green walls with red and light blue accents.  We fell in love with, and splurged on a matching elephant rocker from Babystyle which we love!  Also used in this room are framed alphabet wall cards from EEBOO which we feel adds a touch of whimsy.”

Little sister A is now a beautiful, active 10 month old girl enjoying her lovely room and lucky family! We wish the H family all the best as they are in the home stretch of their adoption process! Now if they could just build a playroom we all could admire…..

Please send us your inspirational nursery, toddler or play area accomplishments to melisa@littleappledesign.com

Tags: Gender Neutral, Green, Rocker

Morgan’s Mom came to Project Nursery in search of baby nursery design inspiration. The family is moving into a fabulous new home with a whole new realm of possibilities. Morgan is a one year old, darling little girl who loves pink, pink and more pink! Ok, maybe it’s Mom who loves pink but Morgan needs a girly room that can easily transition with her from baby to toddler. Our goal is to incorporate all of Morgan’s current furniture and bedding into a new design, different from her previous nursery. Project Nursery and Mom Carla are having a blast coming up with ideas and we want your input! Take a look at Morgan’s before photos:

Morgan’s new room, a blank canvas:
According to Mom:

“Right now I feel it is so plain. Here is what I would love to accomplish: I want to keep the crib, armorer and dresser for sure. Not married to the bookshelves, but I feel I need a place for her “stuff”. I also want to keep the valance, beautifully made from Grandma and all of the wall art we have now, which is slim to none! I would say my style is more of a clean lines look and not too whimsical. I really love stripes and polka dots - mixing of patterns - monograms & initials. I hate clutter! I love things that look organized and in their place. I really need help with the walls. The paint colors are very important. I think they can make a room. I am also open to painting something on the wall like an “M” or something. Also a possible photo gallery on the wall. I need the extra special touches that complete the space: Shelves, frames, stuffed animals. I would say that my style is a mix between Pottery Barn Kids and Dwell. Thanks for your help! I am so excited to get started on the nursery!”

Presenting the Project Nursery design board created especially for Miss Morgan:
Morgan’s bedding from Little House by Annette Tatum in “Pashmina Pink” incorporates playful patterns such as strips, dots, paisleys as well soft cotton, chenille and velvety textures. So we say, let’s play up those polka dots found on the crib sheet! For a focal point, use these beautiful wall decals from Etsy shop Lewa’s Vinyl Designs or simply paint above Morgan’s crib and add a monogram.

Morgan’s current table lamp is made of pink crystals. Continue the look with a dazzling lighting fixture from our favorite couture lighting designer, Maura Daniel. If a photo gallery is what you are looking for, try blowing up your precious moments onto stretched canvas with Shutterfly. Lean these oversized photos on top of the armoire away, from baby’s reach. A great way to add height and a contemporary feel to the room.

Stretch and starch the current window valance for a more tailored look. Use textured drapes underneath from floor to ceiling - yet another way to create height.

Careful what you choose to display above the changing table. These flirty butterfly mirrors from Potterybarn Kids are lightweight. Secure with extra glue dots so little hands can’t tear them away from the wall. Sleek shelves with a circle detail provides additional storage above.

So will Morgan make the leap and paint her room green instead of pink? Do you like our ideas? Can you help? Share your suggestions and comments with Project Nursery and Morgan below this posting by clicking “Comments”. We look forward to hearing from you!

***Newsflash! Looks like Morgan is going with pink walls afterall. Maybe she’ll refer to our Pinkititis posting for ideas? Stay tuned for Morgan’s complete makeover update in the coming weeks….

Tags: Baby Nurseries, Green, Inspiration, Pink, Shelving

…but Twice as Nice!

The crib bedding, wall art and changing pad cover were all purchased from the lovely online women and children’s boutique, Layla Grayce. Target’s “Simply Shabby Chic” bed linens beautifully compliment her designer crib duds.

Soft green walls are wonderful and neutral but finding the right green isn’t always easy. I recently learned this lesson while helping my friend choose a green for her little girl’s room. Next time I’ll take a cue from the twins room and suggest Behr’s Disney Paint Collection sold at Home Depot: Christopher Robin’s Swing, dc4a-30-2.

The rockers for mommy and babies are not only practical but give off that shabby chic vibe. The playful pink seating area for the twins gets plenty of use during story time. Besides, every room needs a personalized soft seat for their little one from Pottery Barn Kids (which makes a great baby gift).

And finally, a reminder that accessories do matter. Hanging sweet tutu’s, displaying customized plates, cuddly friends and pink piggy banks complete the room, making it perfect in every way!

Tags: Baby Nurseries, Bedding, DIY, Green, Inspiration, Pink, Shabby Chic, Twins